U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation imposing a comprehensive travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The ban, set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025, also introduces partial restrictions on nationals from seven additional countries .
The 12 countries facing a full suspension of both immigrant and non-immigrant visas are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen . Citizens from these nations will be barred from entering the United States under any visa category.
Additionally, partial restrictions have been imposed on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Individuals from these countries will face limitations on certain visa categories, including tourist and immigrant visas, while still being eligible for some temporary visas .
President Trump justified the new travel restrictions by referencing a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national who had overstayed his visa. Although Egypt is not among the countries listed in the ban, the incident was cited as evidence of inadequate vetting processes .
The proclamation includes several exemptions. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), individuals with existing valid visas, foreign diplomats, dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country, athletes participating in major sporting events, immediate family members of U.S. citizens, adoptees, and recipients of certain special immigrant visas are not subject to the ban .
This policy marks a significant expansion of President Trump’s immigration agenda during his second term, reminiscent of the travel ban implemented in his first term, which targeted several majority-Muslim countries and was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 .
Critics argue that the new ban disproportionately affects African and majority-Muslim nations, raising concerns about potential discrimination. Human rights organizations and immigration advocates have indicated plans to challenge the proclamation in court, citing its broad scope and potential humanitarian impact .
In response to the ban, some affected countries have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States to address security concerns. For instance, Somalia has indicated a readiness to cooperate in enhancing security measures .
The Trump administration has stated that the list of countries subject to the ban may be revised based on improvements in information-sharing and identity management procedures. Countries demonstrating enhanced security protocols could see restrictions lifted, while others may be added if deemed security threats .
This development underscores the administration’s continued focus on stringent immigration policies, with an emphasis on national security and border control. The full impact of the travel ban will become clearer as it is implemented and as legal challenges unfold in the coming weeks.
